Zelensky’s Fedorov Ouster Raises Questions Amid 40-Day Campaign

In Ukraine on July 17, 2026, Zelensky ousted Mykhailo Fedorov, whom Kyiv Post described as Ukraine's drone-war minister. Sky News wrote that Zelensky backs General Syrskyi over Fedorov, and TASS cited media as saying he may have dismissed Fedorov over a defense procurement dispute. An opposition leader quoted by RT called the government reshuffle a power grab, and Russia's foreign ministry offered its own explanation for the change of government.

Zelensky also announced the dismissal of Umerov, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and offered former interior minister Klymenko a job at the council. He named a former adviser to Fedorov as his own adviser. Separately, he unveiled a plan to give Poland access to files on the Volhynia massacre.